Disbelief

By tati1

Disclaimer: I do not own Loveless or any anime (yet!).

A/N: This is kind of the polar opposite of my other fic Trust. It's not to be taken in Trust's context at all. It is Soubi who learns and gains here, so essentially picture Ritsuka winning the relationship in this fic.

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Soubi always knew that beauty was a foolish thing to appreciate. Butterlies were a prime example. Beautiful, but so easy to destroy. They did not possess beauty once they were killed and pinned to a board.

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Beauty did not last.

It was a lesson Soubi had never had to learn; he always Knew. Seimei Knew as well. Soubi had been beautiful, but it had no real meaning. Seimei made sure he knew the superficial meaning was gone, too. He called it training, and Soubi knew he told the truth.

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Soubi is still surprised sometimes, at how stupid Ritsuka is. Surely Seimei had shown the boy the truth? But no, Ritsuka is wary but trusting. He clings to beautiful lies even as his own cuts become scars, marring him. Just like Soubi.

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Ritsuka still believes in beauty. He believes his mother loves Ritsuka. He believes there might even exist beauty for someone called 'Loveless'.

Ritsuka is a child, still.

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Soubit does not know when he began to believe the lie Ritsuka tells. He does not know when he begins to tell the truth.

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Soubi loves Ritsuka. His Loveless can find beauty and make it last in memories. He shows Soubi every day that death doesn't mean destruction. He brings beauty into Soubi's life.

Like butterflies.

Owari.